Betamethasone is used to treat a range of conditions including:
- allergies
- autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- blood disorders
- inflammatory skin conditions
- inflammatory bowel disease
- cancer of the bone marrow (multiple myeloma), acute and lymphatic leukaemia, and cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma)
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia (an inherited condition causing swollen adrenal glands)
- to prevent organ rejection after a transplant
It's also sometimes known as betamethasone sodium phosphate.
Betamethasone is a type of medicine called a steroid (or corticosteroid). Steroids are copies of hormones your body makes naturally. They are not the same as anabolic steroids.
Betamethasone works by reducing swelling (inflammation). It also calms down your immune system, which can help in autoimmune conditions, where your immune system attacks your own body.
Betamethasone is only available on prescription. It comes as soluble tablets that you swallow or dissolve in water. It can also be given by injection but this is usually only done in hospital.
Betamethasone also comes as an eye ointment, eye, ear and nose drops, and different types of medicines used to treat skin conditions. Read about:
Key facts
- You'll usually take betamethasone tablets once a day. It's best to take them in the morning after breakfast.
- Common side effects include weight gain, indigestion and sleep problems.
- Betamethasone tablets can cause withdrawal side effects if you stop taking them suddenly. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly if you've been taking it for more than a few weeks.
- Taking betamethasone tablets can mean you're more likely to get infections. Tell your doctor if you get an infection, such as coronavirus (COVID-19), or if you come into contact with anyone who has shingles, chickenpox or measles. These infections can make you very ill.
- If you take betamethasone tablets for more than 3 weeks, or you're on a high dose, you'll get a blue steroid card from your pharmacist or doctor. You may also need to carry a red steroid emergency card. Show this card to your doctor or dentist before any treatment, so they know you're taking it.
- Do not eat real natural liquorice or drink liquorice tea while taking betamethasone. It could increase the risk of side effects.